Entry 2 (July 3)

Yesterday was the official opening day.

The delegations of 145 countries walked behind their flags through streets of Belgrade. There were so many spectators who came to welcome all the athletes and to wish them good luck in competitions. The official opening ceremony was held in one of the biggest sports arenas in the Balkans, which hosted over 20,000 athletes, guests, and volunteers.

George E. Killian, president of FISU, addressed the audience after all the countries were introduced.

"Share your student expirience with others, which in most cases will vary one from another. Do not leave Belgrade without making at least one new friend. I assure you, that the experience you get from the Universiade will last for a lifetime," said Killian. 

The show called "Logic of the Body" was preformed by young Serbian artists and athletes. The performance was the combination of the muscle strength and the power of technology. It was something never seen before. The whole ceremony was inspired by the greatest Serbian minds such as our greatest scientist Nikola Tesla. Finally, Mirko Cvetkovic, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, opened the 25th Universiade. "Let the Games Begin!"

Today we lost against Poland! The game was tough and physical. Both teams had a couple good chances at the beginning, but the score after the first half remained 0-0. In the second half Poland showed their experience and strength and scored two goals. Finally, in the last 15 minutes we woke up and start playing faster. Serbia scored for a final score of 2-1 from a penalty kick. Our plan is to get some rest tonight and then to try to get our team together. 

Our next game will be against China on July 4th.

Teams are winning and losing, but the Olympic Spirit remains!

Your reporter from the most diverse place on Earth,
Snezana Stojkovic